Pieces Part 1

Dream

I stood rigidly as Mr. Richardson approached me. His family lingered behind him on the lawn, all regarding me with expressions of pity. I looked down. I couldn't have been more of an anomaly, grievously misplaced in front of their white-picket-fence home.

"Hey, Maurice, I know things are confusing right now. Just know that Tina, the family, and I are here for you." He said. His voice carried the same deep, scholarly affection it did when I first met him.

I looked down at my last possession. I reminisced on the engraved name as I read the inscription on its back. "Bian," I noted aloud.

Suddenly, my body was overtaken with trembles. Sobs choked my speech as I croaked, "But what about my family..."

Mr. Richardson gently took my trinket. He opened it for me to see. "Well, son, they are always here with you."

"They are?" I asked.

A hearty laugh rumbled from his chest. "I know on paper, we're family. But you only have one father, one mother, and one brother. We understand and would never change it—we care about you and are grateful to take care of you."

Walking up to me smiling, Tina placed a hand on my head. "Hey, Maurice. I'm here for you. You might have one brother, but if it helps, I'll be your only sister. I will always be here for you, even in another lifetime." Her blonde waves blew softly in the wind, almost blending with the sunset sky.

I cried as Trey and Mrs. Richard joined us in a group hug.